For the average person, experiencing difficult emotions like anger, fear, or sadness may bring momentary discomfort, but will most often dissipate with time allowing the individual to go on to enjoy life. However, a person who lives through a traumatic event often finds themself unable to move beyond this trauma, frequently suffering from upsetting flashbacks, sensitivity to sounds, numbness or depressed mood, and paralyzing anxiety. Their nervous system becomes overwhelmed by the magnitude of the event, preventing them from being able to process the event and move forward. This trauma, unlike any other pain, changes the way one sees and moves through the world.
EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, is a therapy that helps the nervous system process the moments and feelings experienced from the trauma. The EMDR therapy provided at New York’s Integrative Therapy Center helps feelings and memories associated with the event become less disruptive, more manageable, and puts an end to painfully reliving the distressing event over and over.
How does EMDR therapy work?
When considering working with a therapist who can facilitate EMDR in Manhattan, it is helpful to be familiar with the process. During a session, a therapist will work the client to pinpoint images, memories, and the feelings associated with the painful event. While the client focuses on the traumatic event, the therapist guides eye movement using hands or a light moving across a board. This process is repeated until the emotional response to the memory lessens.
Different Phases of EMDR therapy
When working with an EMDR therapist it is important to work with someone you trust and to continue to process your experience with a therapist to further integrate the benefits of EMDR.
The following are the eight phases involved in EMDR therapy.
- Previous history review and treatment planning
- Preparation for EMDR therapy
- Assessment of target memory
- Desensitization of target memory with eye movements
- Installation of a positive belief and reprocessing of associated memories
- Scanning the body for trauma
- Asses distance from the traumatic memory
- Re-evaluation
What are the benefits of EMDR therapy?
Before seeking EMDR therapy, it is important to know the benefits. EMDR therapy can be used to improve the lives of those living with:
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Addiction
- Grief and pain
- Panic attacks
- Performance anxiety
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Physical and sexual abuse
- Debilitating Stress
There is no standard charge per session for EMDR therapy. Costs depend on the therapist’s expertise and experience.
Don’t let your past affect your present and future.
Find your EMDR therapist at Integrative Therapy.
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